Bangladesh, Sept. 22 -- The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long refused to permit large-scale demonstrations, treating marches and protests as threats to its authority.

In Istanbul last week, that approach was once again on display as riot police surrounded the Istanbul branch office of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) after a court-appointed trustee was assigned to oversee its administration. At the same time the Istanbul Governors Office announced a ban on protests, marches and rallies in several districts.

Even the celebration for the national womens volleyball team, which finished second in the World Championship, was canceled, with officials citing concerns that attendees might turn the event into a prot...